Systems and methods for collecting, analyzing, recording, and transmitting fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control data

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for enabling a handheld device to easily collect, analyze, transmit, and act on wireless information transmitted from various instruments on hydrocarbon production and pipeline skids. The handheld device preferentially presents available data streams based on which instruments are closest to the handheld device, as determined using available information such as signal strength or GPS or other location-based services.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit ofeach of the following: (i) prior filed U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/091,323, filed on Nov. 26, 2013, entitled“Systems and Methods for Collecting, Analyzing, Recording andTransmitting Fluid Hydrocarbon Production Monitoring and Control Data,”which is issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,285,503 on Mar. 15, 2016 and whichis a continuation of (ii) U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 13/078,755, filed on Apr. 1, 2011, entitled “Systems and Methods forCollecting, Analyzing, Recording and Transmitting Fluid HydrocarbonProduction Monitoring and Control Data”, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,594,938 on Nov. 26, 2013, as well as (iii) its priority document,namely U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/320,210, filed on Apr.1, 2010, entitled “Systems and Method for Collecting, Analyzing,Recording, and Transmitting Fluid Hydrocarbon Production Monitoring andControl Data” (collectively, the “Prior Applications”). The entiredisclosures of each of the Prior Applications are hereby incorporated byreference into the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods forcollecting, analyzing, transmitting, and acting on information collectedfrom instruments monitoring and controlling equipment used for fluidhydrocarbon (principally natural gas) well production includingcollection platforms, pipeline insertion platforms, and the like.

Background Information

Where natural gas and other fluid hydrocarbons are found in the earth,producers may drill multiple bore holes (wells) in the earth to capturethe hydrocarbon products. Producers often aggregate the output fromindividual wells by routing pipes from nearby individual wells to acommon location for connection to a distribution pipeline. Thecollection of valves, gauges, pumps, filters, and other equipment at thecommon location are often attached to a rectangular metal structure. Thestructure, with the attached equipment, is sometimes referred to as a“platform” or “skid.” Another aggregation of fluid hydrocarbonproduction equipment is a pipeline insertion platform. In thisapplication, the term “skid” is meant to refer to a wide variety ofequipment aggregations for fluid hydrocarbon production, conveyanceand/or storage, whenever hydrocarbon conditions are being monitored bymultiple instruments on a common structure, including a collectionplatform, a pipeline insertion platform, and the like.

Typically, producers monitor and control several differentcharacteristics of production including pipeline pressure, instantaneousflow rate, accumulated flow, etc., and control pressures and flows tomeet business and safety needs. In current practices, producers oftenuse discrete analog pressure gauges, analog flow meters, and digitalflow meters to display key information. Many of these discreteinstruments lack any wireless communication or telemetry capability.Without such telemetry, a person monitoring the instruments typicallyhas to visually inspect—i.e., “read”—each instrument's display todetermine the state of the condition the instrument is monitoring—to geta “reading.” To make the data readings available for others' uses, theperson then records each instrument's reading, often by handwritingmultiple instruments' readings on a paper form. Subsequently, a dataentry person may transfer the handwritten information from the paperreport into a computer database.

Problems with Current Practices

Current practices have a number of limitations which increase the costand decrease the completeness, accuracy, and usefulness of fluidhydrocarbon production monitoring and control data gathered from theskids.

First, when the skid instrument's data is captured by a person visuallyinspecting the instrument, that person must locate, identify, and readthe instrument, and then record the reading. That can work when all goessmoothly, but problems can arise if they misread the instrument,inadvertently skip one or more instruments, or if they are unable toread the instrument because its indicator is visually obscured by rain,snow, ice, dust, or the like. Moreover, even if the person reads all theinstruments correctly, they might write down the wrong reading, make anillegible entry, misattribute the reading to a different instrument,damage the paper form, or simply fail to record the reading. When thereadings on the paper form are entered into a computer database, othererrors may arise. For example, the data value may be enteredincorrectly, misattributed, or omitted.

Second, human visual inspection, recording, and transcription lackimmediate feedback for many data collection and entry errors. The personreading the instrument may not know whether the reading is within anormal range, is indicating an undesired condition, or is indicating afailed instrument that needs to be reset, repaired, or replaced. If areader fails to read a particular instrument, the reader may not detectthe omission until after leaving the site. Similarly, when recording areading, a reader may not recognize that he has incorrectly attributed areading from instrument A to instrument B.

Third, instruments can be costly to install or replace. A hard-wiredinstrument is usually attached to the sensing or controlling point butmight require a separate display to indicate the instrument's reading,with wires or wireless links connecting the instrument to the display.The connections and discrete display can add significant costs. Forexample, a hard-wired instrument might have an average installed cost ofaround $1,000.

As explained above, current data collection and recording practices notonly reduce data accuracy and completeness and increase data acquisitioncosts, they also undermine the processes for which the data is beingcollected. Production managers make production, maintenance, and safetydecisions based on reported data. Inaccurate data collection andrecording or delayed analysis and transmittal may increase costs andreduce profits. In the extreme, such problems may cause damage to theenvironment or even loss of life.

Recent Technologies and Limitations

Various modern technologies have long been available to help manage theforegoing data collection and recording problems in this field of art,but even the best of modern solutions still have their weaknesses. Asone way to help manage such problems, various skid instruments areincreasingly equipped with hard-wired or wireless data transmitters withwhich they communicate with a central control panel on the skid. Modernhandheld computing devices also include features such as short- andlong-range wireless communication systems, a digital camera, ageographical position fixing system such as a global navigationsatellite system with single meter accuracy, and storage forapplications, images, and data. Modern instrument systems also offer“bolt-on” instruments that can wirelessly communicate their readings anddo not require a separate, remote display. These self-containedinstruments may be bolted onto a pipe or manifold which they are tosense. Some bolt-on instruments contain an internal battery that enablesthe instrument to transmit its data wirelessly to a central controlpanel or other data collection device or system. These and othertechnologies can be adapted for use in gas production monitoring andcontrol systems and methods.

Desirable Improvements

There are many improvements in data collection, analysis, recording, andtransmitting systems and methods that gas producers would welcome. Forexample, as a partial list of desirable improvements, producers want to:

1. spend less time collecting and entering the data,

2. reduce the cost of collecting and recording the data,

3. increase the accuracy and completeness of the data,

4. decrease the time required to respond to out-of-tolerance readings,

5. reduce wasted resources and lost profits caused by data errors, and

6. reduce the risk of harm to the environment and personnel.

Further, it is highly desirable that any systems or methods thataccomplish these improvements support skids with both wireless-enabledand non-wireless-enabled instruments.

The present invention includes systems and methods that reduce oreliminate many of the problems with the current practices, provide thedesired improvements, and permit future expansions and adaptations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes systems and methods for collecting,analyzing, transmitting, and acting on information collected frominstruments monitoring and controlling equipment used for natural gaswell production collection and pipeline insertion platforms (skids).

One of the embodiments of the present invention includes a system basedon a commercially available handheld computing device (HHCD) such as anApple iPhone, Apple iPad, personal digital assistant (PDA), or anotebook personal computer. The HHCD may include an operating systemwith a graphical user interface (GUI), such as Apple's iPhone OS orMicrosoft's Windows Mobile, and one or more custom software applicationsthat execute on the HHCD.

In one or more of the embodiments, the HHCD has one or more wired andwireless communication systems for short-range and long-rangecommunications. For purposes of this application, we define threeseparate terms of convenience pertaining to communication systems:short-range wireless communication systems, short-range wiredcommunication systems, and long-range wireless communication systems.

Short-range wireless communication systems are systems that the HHCDuses to communicate with other wireless systems that are generally notmore than 100 meters away from the HHCD without using a directelectrical connection between the HHCD and the other system. Suchshort-range communication systems include commercially availabletechnologies such as Bluetooth®, infrared, and other communicationsystems that have a typical maximum range up to 100 meters.

Short-range wired communication systems are those the HHCD uses tocommunicate with other systems using a direct electrical connection.Short-range wired communication systems include one or more USB portsand the devices that connect to them including USB-to-USB cables, flashdrives, floppy disks, external hard disks, and the like; hard-wireddocking connections; and one or more Ethernet ports for local areanetwork and Internet access, and the like.

Long-range wireless communication systems are systems the HHCD uses tocommunicate with other systems that are generally more than 100 metersaway from the HHCD without using a direct electrical connection. Suchlong-range communication systems include modern cellular telephonesystems, and other radio frequency (RF) communication systems such asHigh Frequency (HF) radio systems.

Further, this application uses the term “instrument” as a genericdescriptor for a category of devices that monitor or control gasproduction equipment. When used herein as a generic descriptor,instrument includes an individual device (such as a sensor, flow meter,pressure gauge, or the like), multiple discrete devices (like those justlisted), and data aggregating devices (such as one or more data stationsor control panels). A data station or control panel, as furtherdescribed below, receives data from at least one instrument. When thedata station or control panel receives data from more than oneinstrument, the station or panel may also include some aggregation andstorage of instrument data.

Another feature of one or more alternative embodiments is a geographicalposition fixing system such as a global navigation satellite system(GNSS) embedded in or connected to the HHCD. The GNSS feature may usethe NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) or another commerciallyavailable GNSS. This application uses the term GPS to include theNAVSTAR Global Positioning System and all other GNSSs.

The systems and methods of the present invention help reduce the costs,errors, inefficiencies, and limitations of the current practices evenfor skids without any wireless-enabled instruments. However, gasproducers can achieve greater savings and efficiencies using skids thatare partially or fully equipped with wireless-enabled instruments.

When a person is assigned to collect data from a skid, the person—the“reader”—often must drive to the skid's location. The HHCD's GNSS canhelp the reader drive to the area where the skid is located. If there ismore than one skid in the area, the HHCD can help the reader identifythe specific skid or skids from which to collect data by comparing theskid's location, stored in an application in the HHCD, with the reader'slocation as determined by the GNSS. Optionally, the reader can use theHHCD to view a stored photograph of the skid for further confirmation ofthe skid's identity. Once the reader positively identifies the properskid, the reader selects the skid in the HHCD, and the HHCD displays alist of instruments from which the reader may gather readings.

In preferred embodiments, as the reader approaches the identified skid,the HHCD detects wireless signals from one or more remote transceiverslinked with the instruments associated with the skid. Preferably, theHHCD can simultaneously detect signals from all of the remotetransceivers linked to each of the instruments associated with aparticular skid. The closer the proximity of the HHCD to a particularremote transceiver, the stronger the signal that is detected. As thereader approaches a particular instrument on the skid, the strength ofthe associated remote transceiver's signal detected by the HHCDincreases based on the HHCD's proximity to the particular remotetransceiver. In other words, the strongest signal detected by the HHCDcorresponds to the remote transceiver closest to the HHCD. Once thereader has approached the linked instrument, either automatically orwith reader permission, the HHCD may then wirelessly interrogate orreceive the data signal to obtain a reading from the particularinstrument. Preferred systems may utilize the M2 Wireless™ MonitoringSystem commercially available from FW Murphy of Tulsa, Okla.[www.fwmurphy.com].

Alternatively, as the reader approaches an instrument, the HHCD, usingthe GNSS and the stored locations of each skid's instruments, may detectthe reader's proximity to the instrument and prompt the reader to enterthe instrument's reading by displaying a stored image of the instrumentto be polled along with an interactive form. If the instrument iswireless-enabled, the HHCD can automatically, or with reader permission,wirelessly interrogate the instrument to obtain the reading. If theinstrument is not wireless-enabled, the HHCD prompts the user to enterthe reading manually using a manual input such as a stylus or finger ona touch-sensitive pad, a dedicated keypad, or the like. The HHCD maythen compare the reading to stored or dynamically uploaded norms andalert the reader of a likely data entry error or any abnormal conditionreflected by the instrument's reading. The HHCD may prompt the reader tocontinue to gather readings from each of the instruments on the skid,and alert the reader if any instrument's reading has not been recordedin the HHCD. Further, the HHCD can prompt the user to continue the datacollection process at nearby skids, and repeat the data collectionprocess for each skid. By automatically or manually entering readings,the HHCD reduces the time to enter the data, prevents illegible entries,reduces misattributed entries, and prompts the reader to confirmout-of-tolerance entries.

When the reader wishes to transfer collected data from the HHCD to acentralized data collection computer system, the reader uses one or moreof the HHCD's communication systems to transmit the collected data. Ifthe HHCD acquires service for a cellular telephone system, the HHCD cantransmit the data using its cellular telephone communication capability.If such service is not available, the user may transmit the data to areceiving unit on the inspection vehicle, which may either store orretransmit the data. The reader may also return to the centralized datacollection system location and use the HHCD's short-range wired orwireless communication systems to transmit the data to the centralizeddata collection computer system. Because the central data collectionfacility receives data communicated directly, or indirectly, from theHHCD to the centralized data collection computer system, the processeliminates data entry by the collection facility, eliminates datatranscription errors, and greatly reduces the time to transfer the data.

Besides decreasing the costs and increasing the accuracy of collecting,recording, and transmitting data, the present invention also decreasesthe time to respond to out-of-tolerance readings. If a reader records aninstrument reading that is out of normal operating condition limits, theHHCD can display a digital image of, or other information about, theinstrument so the reader can confirm that the correct instrument isbeing read. Further, the HHCD can crosscheck the HHCD's position withthe instrument's stored or calculated geographical location and notifythe reader of any differences. The HHCD can also prompt the reader totake additional actions such as take a digital photograph of theinstrument, take some action to reset or re-interrogate the instrument,tag the instrument for maintenance personnel, or perform some othertask. The HHCD can also identify the instrument in a maintenancedatabase as one needing repair. In case of a dangerous condition, theHHCD may alert the reader to terminate the inspection, to evacuate allpersonnel from the area, and optionally alert safety, security, andcompliance personnel (e.g., fire, police, EPA) of the dangerouscondition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 represents a schematic plan view of a typical oil and gas fieldwith two examples 16, 26 of the various types of collectionplatform/skids, each one serving a group of natural gas wells 12 a-12 dand 22 a-22 d.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a typical gas field platform/skid 16 withcollection lines and a production line, as well as a variety of flowconduits, tanks, valves, and control mechanisms in place toappropriately measure, monitor, and control the flow of natural gas.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a remotetransceiver.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of a typical platform/skid control panel 180integrating some of the wide variety of instruments and controlsassociated with the operation of the skid.

FIG. 4 represents a schematic diagram of alternate embodiments of thesystems and method of the present invention utilizing radio-frequencycommunication between a handheld computing device 62 and electronic datasensors 42, 44, 46, 52 positioned on the platform/skid 16.

FIG. 5 represents a schematic diagram of alternate embodiments of thesystem and method of the present invention using manual data entry on ahandheld computing device 94 from a visual reading of the variousdigital and analog meters and sensors 82, 84, 88, 92 positioned on theplatform/skid 26.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process steps associated with the methodfor electronic data acquisition.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an alternate subroutine associated with themethod shown in FIG. 6 which involves the implementation of a graphicaluser interface that allows the monitoring personnel to step through thecollection of data screens associated with the various instruments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the process steps involved in the methodologyfor visually/manually collecting data from sensors and gauges on a skid,entering the data into the handheld computing device, and subsequentlyestablishing a connection between the handheld computing device and acentral office processor to transfer the data.

FIG. 9 illustrates a touch screen display which allows implementation ofa graphical user interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 representing a schematic plan view ofa typical oil and gas field with two examples of the various types ofcollection platform/skids, each one serving a group of natural gaswells. Each platform/skid is accessible by a vehicular road shown indashed lines in FIG. 1. A first local gas well field collection area 10includes a number of individual gas wells (well heads) 12 a-12 d. Gaswell to collection platform flow lines 14 connect the individual gaswells to gas collection platform/skid 16.

In the first gas field example provided, gas collection platform/skid 16is an electronic data collection based platform incorporating one ormore wireless data transmission devices, more preferably being remotetransceivers 36 (as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B) which are described in moredetail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,289,184 and 8,373,576, both of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety into the present disclosure.These devices, identified generically on platform/skid 16 with RF wavesymbols emanating from various points on the platform, are mounted onand/or connected to one or more gauges, flow meters, and/or sensorslocated on platform/skid 16. Remote transceivers 36 are components of apreferred short-range wireless communication system and are capable oftransmitting the data collected by such gauges, flow meter, and/orsensors to an HHCD. Remote transceivers 36 may be configured tocontinuously transmit data, to periodically transmit data, or totransmit data upon being interrogated, depending on the requirements forthe particular characteristic being monitored. Remote transceivers 36may be wirelessly linked to a hub or gateway unit (not shown) such thatthe hub and remote transceivers 36 are capable of two-way wirelesscommunication with one another. Although in preferred embodiments remotetransceivers 36 are capable of sending and receiving wireless signals toand from the hub, remote transceivers 36 are not linked with one anothersuch they are not capable of communicating with one another.

Certain instruments may also communicate with the HHCD by providingreading information, but may also dynamically upload other informationto the HHCD, meaning automatically or in response to the user'sselection, send the HHCD information about the instrument such as itstype, features, unique identification, and the like.

Connecting gas collection platform/skid 16 to primary gas fieldproduction line 30 is collection platform production line 18. This setof pipelines connects a number of discrete gas well field collectionareas together at a point where it is no longer necessary to separatelymonitor individual field or individual well production.

A second local gas field collection area 20 is likewise shown in FIG. 1encompassing individual gas wells (well heads) 22 a-22 d. Gas well tocollection platform flow lines 24 conduct the natural gas from each ofthe individual gas wells 22 a-22 d through to gas collectionplatform/skid 26. In this example, gas collection platform/skid 26 maybe primarily a visual data collection-based skid as opposed to awireless transmission data collection system. As with the first gas wellfield collection area, the collected natural gas from platform/skid 26is conducted to primary gas field collection line 30 by way ofcollection platform production line 28.

In the second gas field example provided in FIG. 1 the platform/skid 26is predominantly characterized as requiring visual inspection for recordkeeping and monitoring. Much like a home gas or electric meter, thevisual data collection-based skid utilizes gauges, meters, and sensorsthat provide only visual indications of the characteristics they aremeasuring. As a result, the basic manner of collecting the data involves“reading the meter” and recording (preferably into an electronichandheld device) the numerical information read. In FIG. 1 therefore,platform/skid 26 is shown to include a variety of discrete analogpressure gauges, digital flow meters (for cumulative flow), and analogflow meters (for instantaneous flow). The details of such devices andthe manner in which the system of the present invention can accommodatethem are further described below. In practice, implementation of thepresent invention will likely occur in fields where the data collectionis being carried out in mixed modes, utilizing some wireless datacollection devices and some visual inspection data collection devices.The system of the present invention is versatile and adaptable to theextent that its use is not dependent upon the implementation of only asingle mode of data collection.

As indicated above, the collection of data from each of the individualskids can be carried out according to a number of different methods andby way of a variety of protocols. A first method may simply include thevisual inspection of a number of metering and monitoring devicessituated on the platform. This data may be entered into the HHCD fromwhich it is wirelessly, or through a hard-wired docking connection,communicated through data acquisition software eventually to acentralized data collection system, being relayed through a link in theinspection vehicle or wirelessly through a variety of different regionalsignal communication lines. FIG. 1 presents in general, therefore, thefield of use of the present invention and the manner in which thesystems and methods of the invention are implemented in conjunction witha variety of gas well field collection platforms and/or pipelineinsertion platforms areas.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a typical gas field platform/skid withcollection lines and a production line, as well as a variety of flowconduits, tanks, valves, and control mechanisms in place toappropriately measure, monitor, and control the flow of natural gas.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the skid structure shown inFIG. 2A is provided by way of example only, and that a variety ofdifferent skid structures with many different types of gauges, sensors,meters, and detectors, are anticipated as being appropriate for use inconjunction with the systems and methods of the present invention. InFIG. 2A, gas well to collection platform flow lines 14 arrive at the gascollection platform/skid 16 as described above in conjunction withFIG. 1. Typically, these collection flow lines are situated near onesection of the platform, regardless of the direction from which thevarious flow lines arrive from the dispersed wells. Collection platformproduction line 18 exits the platform as shown after a number ofdifferent metering, monitoring and conditioning efforts are made withthe natural gas production.

Platform/skid base 40 in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention may be a flatbed trailer or a skid module, as is typicallyutilized in conjunction with the establishment of a central collectionpoint for a natural gas field or for a pipeline insertion point. Avariety of different pumps, tanks, reservoirs, separators, dryers, andmetering components are incorporated into the flow lines associated withthe collection and distribution of the natural gas as it flows from thewells to the primary gas field production line and beyond into naturalgas transfer and distribution systems. As shown in FIG. 2A, a number ofdifferent monitoring components are positioned on platform/skid base 40in conjunction with the various functions that are carried out on theskid. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the data collections devices onthe skid are associated with remote transceivers 36 which arecharacterized as universally wireless, as would be in a preferredembodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize hownon-wireless devices might be substituted or mixed in with the wirelesstransmission devices shown. Also as mentioned above, the wireless datatransmission devices may generally fall into one of three categories oftransmissions: (a) continuous transmission; (b) periodic transmission;or (c) interrogated transmission. The system of the present inventionaccommodates all of these variations.

Initially, some identification of the skid may be provided with skididentification (ID) transmitter 42. This allows the monitoringindividual to identify the location where data is about to be collectedand recorded, preferably by way of a wireless communication from theskid ID transmitter 42 to a handheld device or the like by themonitoring individual. Alternately, in a preferred embodiment, theidentification of the skid may be carried out by a simple GPS readingtaken in proximity to the skid. Such an “automatic” identificationwould, of course, depend upon a database record associating a particularskid with a geographic location identifiable by GPS coordinates. Such anautomatic identification of the data collection location would allow forthe elimination of a unique skid ID transmission and could thereforegreatly simplify the electronic instrumentation transmitting the data.Each platform/skid could be identical (anonymous) with only thegeographic location providing the necessary skid identification.

In preferred embodiments, once a particular skid is identified, thehandheld monitors the available wireless transmissions from everyinstrument on the skid. Such wireless transmissions may be in the formof radio frequency (RF) signals, most preferable as Bluetooth® signals.The handheld is programmed to detect and identify the instrumentslocated on the skid by their respective wireless transmissions, whichare transmitted by the various remote transceivers 36 which interfacewith the instruments. Preferably, each remote transceiver 36 located ona particular skid is simultaneously detected by the handheld computingdevice once the handheld computing device is within the detection rangeof the wireless radio frequency signals. Remote transceivers 36associated with the skid, as well as the handheld computing device, arepreferably Bluetooth®-enabled devices which allows for theidentification of the instruments and the exchange of data from theinstruments to the handheld computing device in a short-rangecommunication network.

In some embodiments, for the instruments to be identified and/or tocommunicate associated data to the handheld computing device, each ofthe instruments may be connected with a remote transceiver 36 capable oftransmitting a wireless radio frequency signal, preferably a Bluetooth®signal. In such embodiments, radio frequency signal strength is directlyrelated to proximity in that the closer the handheld computing device isto a particular remote transceiver 36, the stronger the wireless radiofrequency signal transmitted from the particular remote transceiver 36that is detected by the handheld computing device. Preferred embodimentsof the disclosed system allow for the simultaneous detection of allremote transceivers 36, and consequently each of the instruments,associated with a particular skid by the handheld computing device.

In an alternate embodiment, the skid's GPS coordinates, the skid'scompass direction orientation, and a predetermined skid configurationare combined so that the handheld computing device can calculate thegeographical location of each skid's instruments and communicate withthem accordingly. For example, a skid manufacturer may make multipleskids with a single configuration such as that shown in FIG. 2A. Each ofthe instruments on the skid is located at a fixed distance and relativeangle from the skid transmitter. With the skid transmitter's GPScoordinates, the skid's directional orientation, and the relative angleand distance of each instrument from the skid transmitter, the HHCD cancalculate the GPS coordinates of each instrument and display theappropriate monitoring data or data input screen for the nearestinstrument.

In preferred embodiments, when a user approaches the skid, the HHCD isable to detect one or more remote transceivers by receiving a wirelessradio frequency signal from the remote transceiver(s) 36. It isanticipated that once the HHCD is within sufficient range to receive RFsignals from remote transceivers 36, the HHCD will be capable ofsimultaneously detecting all of the remote transceivers positioned onthe particular skid. A user will then be able to selectively interrogateor receive data from a particular data collection device on the skidbased on proximity and signal strength. The nearer the HHCD is to aparticular remote transceiver, the stronger the signal that is receivedby the HHCD from the remote transceiver. For instance, if the user isstanding at position D (54 d), the HHCD can display informationpertaining to 44 d since this instrument, in accordance with itsconnection with remote transceiver 36, is the closest to position D, andhence is transmitting the strongest RF signal received by the HHCD atthat particular location. Alternatively, at the same location (positionD), the HHCD may allow the user to select information pertaining to anyof instruments 44 a-44 d.

Associated with gas well to collection platform flow lines 14 may be oneor more gas well flow line flow meter gauges 44 a-44 d. These flowmeters would, of course, individually monitor the flow of natural gasfrom each of the individual wells from within the field collection areathat arrive at the platform. Positioned along one edge of theplatform/skid base 40 is skid control panel 41 which includes controlsystems and operational data record/transmission systems associated withthe operation of the skid. Typically, this control panel is positionedat a working level on the perimeter of the skid in order to allow easyaccess by monitoring personnel. An example of the array ofinstrumentation and controls that might typically be found on such acontrol panel is described in more detail below with FIG. 2. Otherinstrumentation positioned on platform/skid base 40 may include devicessuch as liquid separator operational data record/transmitter 48 as wellas platform production line flow meter gauge data transmitter 50.Additionally positioned at various locations on the platform/skid base40 may be one or more leak detection data record/transmitters 52.Further included would preferably be an array of flow meters, pressuregauges, and temperature sensors, appropriately positioned on the skidand all capable of communicating their collected data to a receivingdevice in a manner described in more detail below with FIGS. 4 & 5.

The various monitoring, metering, and safety sensors positioned onplatform/skid base 40 are intended to provide all the necessary data andinformation to safely maintain the skid as a collection point fornatural gas flowing from a plurality of individual wells. The system isintended to not only monitor flow rates for the purposes of inventorymanagement, but also to monitor conditions on the skid, both for theefficient operation of the skid and the safety of the skid and thosemonitoring it. Also shown in FIG. 2A, and anticipating the operation ofthe system of the present invention, are a number of data collectionstations shown with multi-point star tags lettered A-G. These datacollection stations 54 a-54 g provide standardized, semi-isolatedlocations around the skid where interrogation of the various wirelessremote transceivers 36 may occur. As with the skid as a whole, remotetransceivers 36 may include an ID within their data signal thatassociates the data with a particular device in a particular location onthe skid. The HHCD for collecting data from the various wirelesstransmitting devices is capable of detecting the wireless signalstransmitted by remote transceivers 36 on the skid, such capabilitypreferably including the simultaneous detection of all wireless signalsbeing transmitted remote transceivers 36 located on a particular skid.For the collection of data, the closer in proximity the HHCD is to aparticular remote transceiver 36 on the skid, the stronger the signalwhich is detected. Alternately, the data collection stations 54 a-54 gmay be geographically separated by a sufficient distance to use thestation's GPS coordinates to uniquely identify the station. For example,the only flow meter signal capable of being read at data collectionstation 54 g would be flow meter 50 associated with the outflow of gasfrom the platform. The meter 50 may therefore transmit an anonymoussignal that is associated or identified with a specific skid and aspecific location on that skid by way of its GPS coordinates. Hereagain, it is anticipated that the real world will include a mix ofdevices, some that will require visual inspection, some that willtransmit an identifying signal along with their data either by way of aconnected remote transceiver or an integrated transmitter, and some thatwill anonymously transmit their data and rely on a GPS coordinate toidentify their location.

Turning now to FIG. 2B, there is shown a schematic diagram of a typicalremote transceiver 36 attached to an instrument associated with a skid.Remote transceiver 36 may be constructed based on a printed circuitboard 200. In some embodiments, the structure as illustrated iscontained within an enclosure 208. In other embodiments, remotetransceiver may be entirely contained within an instrument or sensorwith which remote transceiver 36 is associated.

A power supply 206 may also be provided to allow for untethered remoteoperation. In one embodiment, power supply 206 is a replaceable battery.However, rechargeable batteries or other power supplies could also beused in the present embodiment. A microcontroller 204 implements andcontrols the functions and operations of remote transceiver 36 describedherein. Microcontroller 204 can be a general purpose microprocessorprogrammed according to the needed functionality, but could also be anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other computational device.

Also as illustrated in FIG. 2B, remote transceiver 36 provides aninternal antenna 202 that is situated directly on printed circuit board200. This allows remote transceiver 36 to be completely enclosed withinenclosure 208 for increased durability and/or resistance to theelements. However, in some embodiments, and as is shown in FIG. 2B,remote transceiver 36 is equipped with external antenna 210 (shown indotted line) in order to increase the reception or broadcast range ofremote transceiver 36. In preferred embodiments, remote transceiver 36interfaces with one instrument associated with the skid. It isunderstood that, in some cases, remote transceiver 36 may interface withtwo or more such instruments.

With regard to remote transceiver 36, it is also understood that otherelectronic devices may be included with the instruments, placed in theenclosure, or attached to printed circuit board 200. These devices mayprovide functionality for carrying out such duties as recharging battery206, signal conditioning and/or amplification for the inputs from theinstruments, and other functions not carried out by microcontroller 204.

FIG. 3 provides a side plan view of a typical platform/skid controlpanel 180 integrating some of the wide variety of instruments andcontrols associated with the operation of the skid. The representationshown in FIG. 3 is intended to include examples of the variousinstruments and controls rather than to provide a view of any specificcontrol panel structure. Control panel 180 in practical situations wouldlikely have fewer than all of the instruments and controls that areexhibited in this view. Many of the components shown may comprisediscrete components located only in conjunction with the locations theyare intended to monitor. In some instances, however, these components(e.g., meters, gauges, sensors, valve controls, lights, alarms, etc.)are consolidated into the skid control panel such that a monitoringperson may monitor and control all the instruments on the entire skidfrom the single location of the control panel.

Control panel 180 as shown in FIG. 3 includes an array of gas well flowline pressure gauges 182 as well as gas well flow line flow meters 184.Flow meters 184 may include both cumulative flow and instantaneous flowindicators. Also provided on control panel 180 may be control mechanismssuch as gas well flow line valve controls 186. These controls located onpanel 180 may, of course, be mechanical, electromechanical, orelectronic in their operation. A similar set of instruments and controlsmay be provided for the output system on the skid with outflow gaugesand controls 196. Other components present on control panel 180 mayinclude additional digital flow meters 190 and additional analog (ordigital) pressure gauges 194. Various re-settable alarms 198 may providevisual and/or audible indications of dangerous or anomalous conditionson the skid.

As the systems and methods of the present invention anticipate a varietyof different skid structures it is possible that some of the dataprocessing capabilities may be moved to components on the skid and inparticular to a so-called “smart” control panel 180. As described inmore detail below, data collection on the skid may be partiallyaccomplished prior to the actual visit by monitoring personnel. It isanticipated that some level of data collection may occur from thevarious instruments on the skid into a data storage component associatedwith control panel 180. Access to such may be provided to the monitoringpersonnel through both the wireless connection that may be establishedthrough proximity to the skid and through manual input and audiovisualdisplay systems 192 present on the control panel. Once again, it is notanticipated that all of the various components and capabilities shownand described in FIG. 3 will necessarily be present on each skid controlpanel and as such the view is intended to be merely representative ofthe variety of different panels that might be encountered.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 & 5 which represent schematic diagramsof alternate embodiments of the system and method of the presentinvention, one (FIG. 4) utilizing radio-frequency communication betweena handheld computing device (HHCD) and the electronic data sensorspositioned on the platform/skid, and a second (FIG. 5) representingmanual data entry on a handheld computing device from a visual readingof the various digital and analog meters and sensors positioned on theplatform/skid.

FIG. 4 represents a preferred embodiment wherein most, if not all, ofthe data communication is carried out wirelessly. Gas collectionplatform/skid 16 is represented schematically in FIG. 4 primarily as acollection of individual data transmitters carrying out the functionsdescribed above. Skid ID transmitter 42, for example, may be positionedin such a manner as to broadcast a digital signature associated withthat particular skid (although as mentioned above, this device may beomitted if the system provides for identification by GPS coordinates).Gas well flow lines flow meter gauges 44 likewise may wirelesslytransmit data indicating the metered flow rates (e.g., cumulative flowvolume, instantaneous flow, etc.) from the various flow meter gaugespositioned on the skid. Control system operational datarecord/transmitter 46 may provide the data associated with the skidcontrol panel positioned on each skid as described above. Leak detectiondata record/transmitter 52 in a similar fashion may provide monitoringdata associated with the presence or absence of leaks in the natural gasflow lines. The leak detection device has a battery to power itswireless transmitter, where the battery life is typically ten years.These devices shown in FIG. 4 are intended to be representative of alarge array of such data instrumentation position on the skid, all ofwhich may be in data communication with an appropriately configured datacollection receiver.

Ancillary to the devices on the gas collection platform/skid 16 isanother transmitting device that contributes to the collection of datafrom the particular skid. GPS satellite system 60 is shown as aschematic representation of the typical array of multiple globalpositioning satellites that contribute their signals to pinpoint thelocation of the data being collected in a handheld device (for example)as the monitoring personnel might carry the device to each individualskid. In fact, as mentioned above, the accuracy of such systems nowmakes it possible to discern positions around each individual skid tomonitor specific locations on the skid.

All of the above data transmitters are configured to transmit data toone or more similarly configured handheld computing devices (HHCD) 62,which in the preferred embodiment may be a personal data assistant (PDA)configured with Bluetooth® RF communication components and/or cellularcommunication transceivers. As data is collected from the skid by way ofthe reception of the signals from each of the above referenced monitors,transmitters, gauges, etc., preferably based on proximity of HHCD 62 toremote transceivers 36 associated with such monitors, transmitters,gauges, etc., the information may then be relayed by a number ofdifferent methods (through various channels) to a central collectionlocation where the data is accumulated, reported, and used. In FIG. 4three paths to downloading this data are represented. A first path usingHHCD 62's long-range communication system communicates the data that hasbeen collected on HHCD 62 by way of cellular communications tower 64 aspart of a regional cellular communications network 66. According to thiscommunications path, various Internet service provider (ISP) servers 68,which are connected to the cellular communications network 66, relay thedata to an ISP service line 70 which is in turn connected to anindividual IP address location in the form of a central office dataprocessor 72. The typical central office processor display 74 andcentral office processor user input device (keyboard) 76 are utilized inconjunction with the final software driven functions associated with thecollection of data and the generation of necessary reports, alerts,etc., all utilized in conjunction with the monitoring and inventory ofthe natural gas well field.

An alternate data communications route for downloading the collecteddata shown in FIG. 4 involves short-range wired or short-range wirelesscommunication between HHCD 62 and a vehicle-based data collectionreceiver 63. In some instances, the individual natural gas fields wheredata is being collected and monitored are outside the range of regionalcellular telephone communications networks and it becomes necessary totransmit the data locally to an electronic data collection device,preferably affixed to or carried in the vehicle that is being used tocarry the monitor and control personnel to each location. Implementationof the methods of the present invention would involve a userinterrogating the skid and its various sensors and data collectiondevice transmitters and then returning to the vehicle where the HHCD 62may be docked (physically or by RF signal handshake) to a communicationscradle (or a transceiver such as a Bluetooth® device) that automaticallydownloads the data just collected from the skid being visited. In apreferred embodiment of the systems and methods of the presentinvention, data communication is carried out primarily throughproximity-induced RF connections that are established or broken bymoving in and out of a specified range. In this manner, the systemoperates most transparently to the user, automatically collecting dataand then automatically downloading data via the communications relaychain to the central data collection system.

A third data communications path disclosed in FIG. 4 utilizes skid-basedlocal/regional transmitter 65. The placement of a more powerful regionaltransmitter device directly on the skid allows for the possibility ofdirect communication between the skid (and its various electronicinstruments) with either a regional cellular network or some otherestablished RF communications network. Such a system might be used inconjunction with HHCD 62 or separate from it. Skid based transmitter 65may simply be a transceiver capable of “boosting” a relayed data signalfrom HHCD 62 to a regional transceiver connected to the Internet or someother wide area network. Alternately, the data collection software thatmight normally be resident on HHCD 62 could be incorporated into aprocessor on the skid 16 and carry out the data collection function ofHHCD 62 directly. This embodiment would, of course, be limited to thosegeographic areas where such regional communications are readilyavailable.

A further alternate embodiment of the present invention may beanticipated from the use of the skid based local/regional transmitter65. With the appropriate skid based data processor (not shown) data fromeach of the various wireless devices (e.g., meters, gauges, sensors,etc.) on the skid may be locally received at a central point on the skid(i.e., at the skid based local/regional transmitter 65) and stored untilsuch time as monitoring personnel arrive at the skid to collect thedata. In this embodiment, rather than moving about the skid to collectdata from each device, HHCD 62 may interrogate the skid as a wholethrough transmitter 65 and collect the entire batch of skid data at onetime. Indexing of the data would, in this embodiment, require theinclusion of transmitter device ID information as part of each of thedata signals. Nonetheless, GPS location information would allow HHCD 62to still identify the skid as a whole without the need for entrainedskid ID signal data.

Reference is next made to FIG. 5 for a further alternate embodiment ofthe present invention that relies less upon the use of fully electronicsensors, gauges, and metering devices positioned on the skid, andinstead utilizes many of the standard analog or digital monitoringmeters and gauges often associated with older natural gas collectionplatforms/skids. In FIG. 5 gas collection platform/skid (visual datacollection) 26 is fitted not with electronic data transmitters, but withstandard analog or digital display devices. In this example, it may benecessary to utilize skid ID plate 82 that simply provides alphanumericinformation regarding the identity of the skid which is keyed into HHCD94 by the monitoring personnel. In a preferred embodiment, however, HHCD94 could still benefit from the use of GPS satellite system 60. Aspreviously discussed, with the skid GPS coordinates, skid orientation,and skid configuration, HHCD 94 can pinpoint not only a specificplatform/skid 26 that is being interrogated, but may also allow for theidentification of the specific meter, gauge, or sensor that is beingviewed at a particular point in time. It is also understood that thereal world will likely include a mix of electronic (wireless) devicesand older visually inspected meters and gauges. In a preferredembodiment therefore, HHCD 94 includes components that allow it toreceive data signals wirelessly from the instruments on the skid or tohave such data input into HHCD 94 by way of its manual input means. Inthis regard, the primary distinction between the embodiments describedby FIG. 4 and those shown here with FIG. 5 relates to the manner inwhich the data is downloaded (or relayed) from the handheld device (62or 94) to the central office data processor. In the system shown in FIG.5 this communication process is carried out entirely without the use ofa regional cellular network.

Visually collected information from the skid is, as indicated above,input into handheld device 94 from skid ID plate 82 (unless GPS isutilized) while a variety of other types of data are collected visuallyand entered manually from digital meters 84 (e.g., gas well flow linesflow meter gauges, etc.) and digital meters 88 (e.g., liquid separatorflow meter gauges, etc.). There may additionally be analog gauges 92(e.g., source line pressures, production line pressure, etc.) as well asother types of digital or analog leak detection sensors, temperaturegauges, and process condition sensors. In any case, the information maybe manually entered into HHCD 94 by the monitoring personnel as theyprogress about the skid, which data entry may be, in one or moreembodiments, by using a manual key input device with an LCD display asshown.

Connectable to HHCD 94 is short-range wired communication system 96which allows the monitoring personnel, upon return to a home base, todock or otherwise connect HHCD 94 to the central office data processor72. In this manner, the data collected at each of the individual skidsmay be rapidly and accurately downloaded into the software applicationsstructured for recording, reporting, and displaying information on allof the parameters described above. The standard computer processingequipment (including data display 74 and data input keyboard 76)operable in conjunction with the central office data processor 72 areutilized to carry out the software functionality associated with thisrecording, reporting, and displaying the gathered information.

Alternately, the system shown in FIG. 5 may operate in a manner similarto that described above with respect to FIG. 4. Instead of carrying HHCD94 back to the home office for downloading, the device may be connectedto a docking station positioned in the vehicle 63 that the monitoringpersonnel utilize to visit each of the individual natural gas collectionfields. Here again, the docking connection to the car mounted electronicdata collection equipment may be by HHCD 94's short-range wiredcommunication system (e.g., hard wired as in the form of a cradle orcable connector) 97 positioned within the vehicle or may include ashort-range wireless communication system 67 prompted by a digitalhandshake once HHCD 94 is moved within range of the equipment associatedwith the vehicle.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 6-8 for detailed descriptions of thevarious process steps associated with the transmission, reception,collection, and consolidation of the data from each of the individualgas well field collection areas. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the processsteps associated with the method for electronic data acquisition,including the short-range wired or wireless communication between datacollection stations on the platform and the HHCD, and the long-rangecommunication between the HHCD and the central office processor. Theseprocesses are initiated at Step 100, wherein daily (or some otherperiodicity) data collection rounds are begun. The monitoring personnelarrive at the skid at Step 102, wherein the presence of the HHCD may beautomatically detected by the instrumentation on the skid and/or theHHCD may automatically detect the proximity of the skid. Step 104involves the automatic registration of the skid ID (preferably bydigital transmission) and/or the tagging identification of the locationwith a GPS coordinate reading. Auto registration may simply occur byrecognizing a GPS reading and referencing a stored database wherein aparticular skid is identified at a particular geographic location. Anyof these mechanisms for “awakening” the HHCD and alerting it to the skidto be interrogated may be implemented with the systems and methods ofthe present invention. A preferred embodiment includes an automaticelectronic handshake between one or more wireless devices on the skidwhich prompts a GPS reading to uniquely identify the skid.

Step 106 involves the user proceeding to each of a plurality of skiddata stations with the HHCD. Step 108 involves the automaticidentification of the station location on the skid, again based onwireless signal strength and according to proximity of the HHCD to thestation location, or alternatively corresponding with the GPS coordinatedata associated with the position of the user holding the HHCD inrelation to the skid position, orientation, and configuration. Step 110involves implementation of a handshake between the HHCD and a datastation that is being interrogated and Step 112 involves the actualcommunication of data between the data station and the HHCD.Communication of this data is preferably through a short-range wirelesscommunication system which utilizes radio frequency signals transmittedfrom the data station and received by the HHCD.

An alternate subroutine associated with the method shown in FIG. 6 fromSteps 106-112 is disclosed in FIG. 7 and involves implementation of agraphical user interface (see display screen in FIG. 9) that allows themonitoring personnel to step through the collection of data screensassociated with the various instruments (e.g., gauges, meters, sensors,and other data generating devices) based upon the known configuration ofa particular skid. Referencing this subroutine shown in FIG. 7, a firstquery is made to determine if station verification is required at queryStep 108 a. If not, the subroutine returns (Step 108 b) to the automaticprocessing in FIG. 6. In this case, the data would be automaticallyallotted to the proper database location by way of the auto-selectionidentification. If station verification is required, then at Step 108 cthe HHCD displays thumbnail images of data pages for various stations.The user then determines, at query Step 110 a, whether manual selectionof a particular station/data page is required. The HHCD may preferablydisplay thumbnail images of multiple stations/data pages on the skid andallow the user to manually select any of the individual stations in (orout of) sequence. A touch screen display (as shown in FIG. 9 forexample) allows the user to simply select a particular station and havethat data window enlarged to a point where data might easily becollected from that station. If manual selection of the station/datapage is not required, the process skips to Step 110 c wherein theappropriate data page is maximized for use. If manual selection isrequired, at Step 110 b the user identifies and selects the station typeor location to identify the appropriate data page to be used. Again, theuser may sequentially step through each of the stations/data pagespositioned on a skid and thereby ensure the collection of all relevantdata from any particular location.

Subsequent to the above referenced selection routines (operable in thealternative) the station data may be communicated between the HHCD andthe data station at Step 112. Query Step 114 determines whether the lastdata station on the skid has been interrogated. If not, the processreturns to Step 106 where each subsequent station is interrogated. Ifthe last station on the skid has been interrogated, the process proceedsto Step 116 and the system closes the skid data collection. The processthen proceeds, through one of the preferred methods described above, toallow the HHCD to transmit the data package it has collected to thecentral office at Step 118. The system automatically queries whether ornot the user has left the field through an auto detection process atStep 120. If not, then the overall process repeats itself for the nextfield location by returning to Step 102 where the user arrives at askid. If the user chooses to leave the skid(s), the data collectionprocess terminates at data collection termination Step 122.

Reference is next made to FIG. 8 which is a flowchart of the processsteps involved in the methodology for visually/manually collecting datafrom sensors and gauges on a skid, entering the data into the HHCD, andsubsequently establishing a connection between the HHCD and a centraloffice processor to transfer the data. Once again, FIG. 8 represents amethod of the present invention that is used where the variety ofwireless sensors, gauges, meters, and controls are not available to themonitoring personnel on a particular skid. According to this method, thedata collection rounds are initiated at Step 130 as before, where a gasproduction monitor and control equipment user arrives at a skid at Step132. As the auto-detection of the location of a monitoring effort iscoordinated with an external GPS system (not associated with theelectronics or lack thereof on the skid) it is possible to utilize theskid's auto-identification methods of the present invention. Therefore,at Step 134 an identification of the skid ID number may be either inputinto the HHCD manually and/or associated with the location based uponthe GPS reading. Established databases would link a geographicallocation to a particular skid. As an alternative or an additional step,the user may enter the skid ID number into the HHCD at Step 134.

The user, holding the HHCD, proceeds at Step 136 to each of theplurality of skid data stations, visually observes the readings, andmanually enters the data. The user at Step 138 identifies the specificmeter/sensor location on the skid and preferably associates it with theGPS data on the HHCD. The user then manually inputs data at Step 140from the instrument into the HHCD. It will be apparent that a subroutineprocess similar to that carried out with the method steps shown in FIG.7, as an alternate process to an auto-identification process shown inFIG. 6, is also applicable to the manual data entry process shown inFIG. 8. In other words, the same application software that allows theuser to manually step through various data screens reflecting varioustypes of data stations can be used regardless of whether the data iscollected manually, by visual inspection and manual data entry, orautomatically, by wireless communication between the HHCD and theinstruments. In either case, data is input from an identified station atStep 140 as described above.

At query Step 142 a determination is made as to whether the last of thedata stations on the skid has been interrogated. If not, the processreturns to Step 136 and the collection of data continues. If the lastdata station on the skid has been interrogated, then at Step 144 theuser closes the data collection and moves on to the next skid in thearea. If the last skid has not been reached, based upon theauto-detection being made at query Step 146, the process again returnsto Step 132 where a new skid is interrogated. Once the last skid in anarea has been interrogated as determined at query Step 146, the processproceeds to Step 148 where the monitoring personnel return the HHCD tothe central office and connect it to the central processor. In one ormore alternative embodiments, the user may (as described above) returnthe HHCD to a location within range of the inspection vehicle'sshort-range communication system. In either case, Step 150 involvesdownloading the collected data from the HHCD to either the centralprocessor at the home office or to the data receiving (or data receivingand retransmitting) system of the user's vehicle. The manual datacollection process then concludes at Step 152 wherein the datacollection rounds are terminated.

Reference is finally made to FIG. 9 which provides a screen shot of atypical graphical user interface (GUI) associated with HHCD 62 and usedby gas production monitor and control equipment personnel implementingthe systems and methods of the present invention. HHCD 62 provides (byway of application software) a screen display 160 that includes one ormore thumbnail images 166, 168, & 170 in the form of touch screenbuttons that step the user through each of the known or identifiedstations on a particular skid. The display presents the user with anenlarged window view 162 of the data collection form for a particularstation that the HHCD is near or for an instrument or station which theuser has selected. This image is maximized to allow the user to inputdata or to automatically collect it from the station as described above.

In one or more embodiments, the next thumbnail data page in line may beselected by the user by touching the touch screen on the appropriatethumbnail 166, 168, or 170 to enlarge to the data collection screen andallow the user to maximize the screen and input data therein. Additionalindividual stations may be selected by arrow buttons 172 which scrollthe user through the various station pages or station type pages.Additional functions on the specific screen display shown may displayall stations on the skid and allow the user to manually select thevarious stations or allow the user to have the HHCD identify the nearestdata station based upon the user's proximity to the station. Standardmenus 174 may be provided for entering data and collecting theinformation either manually, using the manual input means, orautomatically, via wireless communications between the HHCD and theinstruments. The user may be alerted to the transmission/reception ofdata through an icon 164 positioned on the display 160. A similar GUImay be implemented on the specialized HHCD shown and described with thesystem in FIG. 5. Additional components to the data collection softwaresystem to implement the various functions and steps of the methods ofthe present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art ofdata collection, database storage, and data communication.

This written description enables one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof.Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciatethe existence of many (but not all) variations, combinations, andequivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein.The invention should therefore not be limited by the above describedembodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methodswithin the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. It is intendedinstead that any claims with this application, or any claims that may beadded or amended, be interpreted to embrace all further modifications,changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices,and embodiments that may be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Although one or more of the foregoing embodiments is the most preferredat present, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize manypossible alternatives. For example, one may appreciate that the systemsand methods of the present invention include monitoring and controllingfluid hydrocarbon production, including natural gas and its relatedcomponents and associated fluids, whether the fields and skids arelocated onshore, offshore, or any combination thereof. Similarly, thehandheld computing device (HHCD) includes computing devices that are notnecessarily held in the user's hand, but are rather worn in a headset,embedded in clothing, attached to a remotely piloted vehicle or craft,or in some other configuration of computation and communicationcapabilities. Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciatethat the present invention's means for determining geographicalposition, such as a global navigation satellite system, includes otherposition fixing means such as visual bearings from landmarks with knownpositions, range and bearing from geodetic survey markers, or othergeographic position fixing means. One may also appreciate that theshort- and long-range communication systems of the present inventioninclude systems using unencrypted communications, encryptedcommunications, or one or more combinations thereof. Further, regardinga centralized data collection computer system, one of ordinary skill inthe art can appreciate that the data aggregating and analyzing functionsmay be distributed across several different data processors, includingsuch implementations as cloud computing systems, and that thecentralized data collection computer system is not limited to a singlephysical device. In any case, all substantially equivalent systems,articles, and methods should be considered within the scope of thepresent invention.

We claim:
 1. A system for collecting and transmitting information from fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment comprising: (a) a handheld computing device with a data processor in communication with a data input device, a text and graphics display device, a short-range wired communication system, a short-range wireless communication system, a long-range wireless communication system, and a geographical position fixing system: (b) a plurality of remote transceivers, one of said plurality of remote transceivers being in electronic communication with one of a plurality of instruments and control equipment associated with said fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment; (c) said handheld computing device executing an operating system, graphical user interface, and software that enable a person to monitor said plurality of instruments and control equipment associated with said fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment; (d) said software detecting said handheld computing device's geographical position using said geographical position fixing system; (e) said software providing said handheld computing device's user with information relating to said instruments based on said handheld computing device's proximity to said instruments; (f) said short-range wireless communication system being in wireless communication with at least one of said remote transceivers; and (g) said handheld computing device being in communication with a centralized data collection computer system via said handheld computing device's said short-range wired communication system, said short-range wireless communication system, or said long-range wireless communication system.
 2. The system as in claim 1, where said short-range wireless communication system utilizes a radio frequency signal to communicate said information relating to said instruments to said handheld computing device.
 3. The system as in claim 2, wherein strength of said radio frequency signal from one of said instruments is related to said handheld computing device's proximity to said instruments such that said strength of said radio frequency signal is greater in magnitude the closer said handheld device is to said instrument.
 4. The system as in claim 1, further comprising said short-range wireless communication system being simultaneously in wireless communication with all of said instruments associated with said fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment.
 5. A system for collecting and processing information relative to fluid hydrocarbon handling installations, comprising: (a) a fluid hydrocarbon handling installation comprising an instrument panel and a plurality of sensor modules distributed around the installation, said instrument panel comprising a data processor and a wireless data transmission system; (b) a portable computing device of a type that is suitable to be carried by a pedestrian user while walking in human accessible spaces around a fluid hydrocarbon handling installation, said portable computing device comprising a data processor and an assembly of subsystems in communication with said data processor, said subsystems including a data input device, a data display device, a wireless communication subsystem, and a geographical position fixing subsystem; (c) said wireless communication subsystem being operatively connected in a manner to communicate with a wireless transmitter of said instrument panel in a manner that allows said wireless communication subsystem to receive wireless signals that are representative of sensor data from said wireless transmitter; (d) said data display device being operatively integrated with said portable computing device to display user readable representations of said sensor data for viewing by said pedestrian user; (e) said data processor executing software; (f) said software acquiring data from said geographical position fixing subsystem to detect said portable computing device's geographical position; and (g) said software causing said data display device to display information relating to one of said multiple data sets based on said portable computing device's proximity to the one of said multiple locations that corresponds to said one of said multiple data sets.
 6. A method for collecting and transmitting information from fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment comprising: (a) using a handheld computing device wherein said handheld computing device comprises: (1) a handheld computing device with a data processor in wired communication with a manual data input device, a text and graphics display device, a short-range wired communication system, a short-range wireless communication system, a long-range wireless communication system, and a geographical position fixing system; (2) remote transceivers being in electronic communication with said fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment; (3) said handheld computing device executing an operating system, graphical user interface, and software that enable a person to monitor instruments and control equipment associated with said fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment using said handheld computing device; (4) said geographical position fixing system to detect said handheld computing device's geographical position; (5) said remote transceivers receiving information from said instruments and control equipment, said remote transceivers transmitting said information to said handheld computing device; (6) said software providing said handheld computing device's user with said information relating to said instruments and control equipment based on said handheld computing device's proximity to said instruments and control equipment; (7) said short-range wireless communication system in wireless communication with at least one of said instruments and control equipment; and (8) said handheld computing device being in communication with a centralized data collection computer system via said handheld computing device's short-range wired communication system, said short-range wireless communication system, or said long-range wireless communication system; (b) using said handheld computing device to manually, automatically, or manually and automatically collect data from said instruments via said remote transceivers, such as gas production monitoring and controlling instruments; and (c) transmitting said data to a centralized data collection computer system.
 7. A system for processing information from instruments associated with hydrocarbon processing equipment, the system comprising: (a) a communication system; and (b) a computing system, said computing system comprising: (1) a computing device with a data processor; (2) an operating system; (3) software including executable code written for performing tasks of the computing system; (4) said data processor executing said software; (5) a display device; and (6) a geographical position fixing system; (c) said computing system being in communication with said communication system, said computing system monitoring the instruments associated with said hydrocarbon processing equipment and for communicating data from said instruments; and (d) said computing system detecting the proximity of said computing device to nearby instruments associated with said hydrocarbon processing equipment and for obtaining data from detected nearby instruments, each of said instruments being in electronic communication with a wireless transceiver.
 8. The system as in claim 7, further comprising said computer system controlling said hydrocarbon processing equipment based on data from said instruments.
 9. The system as in claim 7, wherein said communication system is at least one of a short-range wired system, a short-range wireless system, and a long-range wireless system.
 10. The system as in claim 7, wherein said instruments include a plurality of instruments, each of which is one of gauges, pressure gauges, temperature gauges, meter, flow meters, sensors, monitors, controllers, data-aggregating devices, data stations, and control panels, and wherein each of said plurality of instruments may be wireless-enabled.
 11. The system as in claim 7, further comprising a centralized data collection system, said computing system being in communication with said centralized data collection system via the communication system for providing information from said instruments to said centralized data collection system.
 12. The system as in claim 7, further comprising wherein said computing device is one of a device which is: held by a user; not held by a user; worn as a headset; embedded in clothing; attached to a remotely piloted vehicle; in a remotely piloted craft; a notebook computer; a cellular communication transceiver; an Apple iPhone; an Apple iPad; and a personal digital assistant.
 13. The system as in claim 7, wherein said hydrocarbon processing equipment is one of equipment used for: fluid hydrocarbon production; natural gas production; fluid hydrocarbon handling; fluid hydrocarbon conveyance; fluid hydrocarbon collection; fluid hydrocarbon pipeline insertion; and fluid hydrocarbon control.
 14. The system as in claim 7, further comprising: (a) said computer system comparing data from said instruments to norm data indicative of normal equipment operating condition limits; and (b) said computing system providing an alert in the event data from the instruments differs from said norm data.
 15. The system as in claim 14, further comprising said computing system providing identification information about one or more particular instruments whose data differs from said norm data for said one or more particular instruments to assist in confirming the identity of said one or more particular instruments.
 16. The system as in claim 7, wherein said instruments are located on a natural gas platform skid and said hydrocarbon processing equipment is equipment for natural gas processing.
 17. The system as in claim 16, wherein said natural gas platform skid provides a collection point for natural gas flowing from a plurality of individual wells.
 18. The system as in claim 7, wherein: (a) said instruments are on a platform skid; (b) said platform skid has a skid-based local regional transmitter; and (c) said platform skid has a skid-based data processor in communication with said skid-based local regional transmitter, said skid-based data processor being able to receive, process, and store data from each instrument on said platform skid for subsequent transmission of said data by said skid-based local regional transmitter to said computing system.
 19. The system as in claim 18, wherein the proximity of a computing device and said platform skid is automatically detectable by an instrument on said platform skid, by said computing device, or by both an instrument on said skid and said computing device.
 20. The system as in claim 7, further comprising: (a) said instruments being located on a platform skid; and (b) wherein said platform skid includes a particular instrument that provides an auto-detection of said computing device in proximity to said platform skid.
 21. The system as in claim 7, wherein said computing device is a dockable device, dockable to connect to a docking station, said docking station being in communication with a central data processor for transmitting information about said hydrocarbon processing equipment from said computing device to said central data processor.
 22. A method for processing information from instruments associated with hydrocarbon processing equipment, said method comprising: (a) employing a primary system for processing information, said primary system comprising a communication system and a computing system monitoring said instruments, said computing system being in communication with remote transceivers being in electronic communication with said instruments associated with said hydrocarbon processing equipment; (b) said computing system further comprising: (1) a computing device with a data processor; (2) an operating system; (3) software with executable code written for completing tasks of said computing system, said data processor executing said software; and (4) a geographical position fixing system; (c) detecting with said computing system the proximity of said computing device to nearby instruments of the instruments associated with said hydrocarbon processing equipment; and (d) obtaining with said computing system data from said remote transceivers, said data being detected from nearby instruments.
 23. The method as in claim 22, further comprising: (a) comparing with said computing system data from said detected nearby instruments to norm data indicative of normal equipment operating condition limits; and (b) providing with said computing system an alert in the event data from said detected nearby instruments differs from said norm data.
 24. The method as in claim 22, further comprising confirming with said computing system the identity of one or more particular instruments by providing identification information about said one or more particular instruments when data from said one or more particular instruments differs from norm data for equipment monitored by said one or more particular instruments.
 25. The method as in claim 22, wherein said hydrocarbon processing equipment is equipment for natural gas processing and said instruments are on a natural gas platform skid.
 26. The method as in claim 22, further comprising transmitting information from said computing system to a central data processor.
 27. The method as in claim 22, wherein: (a) said instruments are on a platform skid; (b) said platform skid has a skid-based local regional transmitter; (c) said platform skid has a skid-based data processor in communication with said skid-based local regional transmitter; and (d) said skid-based data processor receiving, processing and storing data from each instrument on said platform skid for subsequent transmission of said data by said skid-based local regional transmitter to said computing device.
 28. The method as in claim 27, further comprising: (a) receiving, processing and storing, with said skid-based data processor, data from each instrument on said platform skid; (b) transmitting, with said skid-based data processor, information to said skid-based local regional transmitter; and (c) transmitting, with said skid-based data processor, data from each instrument to said computing device.
 29. The method as in claim 28, further comprising automatically detecting proximity of said computing device and said platform, said automatic detection achieved by one of an instrument on said platform skid, said computing device, or by both an instrument on said platform skid and said computing device.
 30. The method as in claim 22, wherein said computing device is a dockable device, dockable to connect to a docking station, said docking station being in communication with a central data processor for transmitting information about said hydrocarbon processing equipment from said computing device to said central data processor, the method further comprising transmitting via said docking station, information about said hydrocarbon processing equipment from said computing device to said central data processor. 